Knowledge and understanding: the objective of this course is to examine the nature, purpose and economic functions of financial markets and institutions also introducing to the wide variety of financial instruments, providing the basic skills for the courses of Investments and Banking. The program will deal with operational, regulatory, and transitory characteristics of contemporary financial markets and institutions. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student will have to explain the topics of the course and to solve applicative problems about the use of financial instruments. Making judgements: the course allows the student to deal with the problems of the management of financial institutions. Communication skills: the student will be able to communicate with financial operators, effectively and with appropriate language. Learning skills: the student will acquire the ability to analyze the financial dimension of the economy and the tools suitable to meet the needs of the agents in financial surplus and deficit.